Moldova investigates entry of banned South Ossetian envoy
Moldovan authorities have no official record of Vitali Iankovski—a representative of the breakaway region of South Ossetia banned from entering Moldova until 2031—crossing through government-controlled border checkpoints. President Maia Sandu confirmed that law enforcement agencies are currently investigating how he reached Tiraspol.
Iankovski was spotted on July 29 attending public events in the Transnistrian region. The gatherings marked 34 years since the start of the peacekeeping operation along the Nistru River.
Uncontrolled border segment under scrutiny
President Sandu noted that one primary hypothesis points to the uncontrolled portion of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, which Chișinău authorities cannot monitor directly.
"We must investigate this thoroughly, but we must also remember that we have a border sector that constitutional authorities do not control," Sandu stated during a broadcast on Jurnal TV. "I don't believe he fell from the sky either. Official records confirm he did not cross under his known name or passport. There is a minor risk he used a different identity, which we are working to determine."
Background of the banned official
Vitali Iankovski has headed the unrecognized representation of South Ossetia in Transnistria since 2017. He previously held several positions within the unrecognized administration in Tiraspol, including roles in external relations and the regional leadership apparatus.
Moldovan Border Police previously banned Iankovski from entering the country for five years under national legislation governing foreign nationals. Investigators are now determining the exact documentation and route used to bypass state checks.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
